Islanders Playoff Gameday News: It’s business-like, it’s got some detail to it

As a friendly reminder, it’s a 3 p.m. EDT start for the Islanders today in Game 2 against the Flyers. That gives the Lightning and Bruins an almost-24 hours between last night and Game 3 for them tonight.

Islanders-Flyers Reading/Watching

• The Islanders love that Andy Greene is a veteran who can still play. [Isles]
• Jordan Eberle on the Islanders’ identity and structure: “I wouldn’t say it’s easy, it takes a lot of work. If you’re going to do it right, you have to put the work in. [Isles]
• Let’s not get too excited just yet. To paraphrase Harvey Keitel’s The Wolf in “Pulp Fiction,” Barry Trotz “didn’t care for” significant parts of the Isles’ game in Game 1. [Newsday]
• Previewing today’s Game 2: I mean, you know the story here. [Isles]
• That Trotz can get magic out of a third line like that is a sign of his Jedi mastery. [Post]
• Consider Larry Brooks impressed by Ross Johnston as a reflection of said mastery. [Post]
• The Flyers need their top guys to step up. (And make plays.) [Athletic | Broad Street Hockey]
• An outstanding tale by one of BSH’s best, about formative memories informed by a Flyers propaganda tape: “Seven years before I was born, you see, there had been a grave injustice. The Flyers were ready to win their third Stanley Cup in 1980 when they were robbed—robbed!” [BSH]
• In his media availability yesterday (clipped in the Isles tweet below), Barry Trotz spoke about Game 1, yes, but also about the relationship with Lou Lamoriello. And he discussed what he means when he says a player (like Greene) has truly “become an Islander”: “It’s how you handle things, how you react. It’s business-like, it’s professional, it’s got some detail to it.”

During Game 1, and perhaps in the previous series, the Islanders’ clampdown appeared to generate some “BO-RING” complaints on social media. Mike Kelly of the NHL Network references some stats and demonstrations that undermine that notion:

• Three key moves by Lou have helped put them where they are now. [Newsday]
• The Islanders will be part of the “Quest for the Stanley Cup” documentary series. [Newsday]
• Quinnipiac alum Devon Toews is in select company. [NH Register]
• No matter their fortunes in this and future playoffs, Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin will leave an impressive legacy with the arena at Belmont. [Forbes]
• On this day in history: Polish Gretzky was acquired. [Isles]
• The Islanders dropped to 27 in Corey Pronman’s organizational prospect depth rankings. Still lots of interesting pieces, but no safe high-end bets beyond Noah Dobson. [Athletic]
• Ryan Bourque, who played late in his career with the Sound Tigers, has retired. [CT Post]

Elsewhere

Last night had the Lightning evening the series with Boston in overtime, as Bruins fans everywhere do a 180 and crucify Jaroslav Halak. And the Canucks surprised the high-flying Knights. But the best moment was this:

• Down 2-0, the Avalanche may consider breaking up their big top line. [NHL]
• Top unrestricted free agent Alex Pietrangelo knows he might have played his last game with the Blues. [NHL]
• In (un?)related news, the Maple Leafs cleared a little bit of space by trading Kaspari Kapanen back to the Penguins for a first-round pick, among other collectibles. [NHL | SI]
• The Leafs plan to make more cap-clearing moves, too. [TSN | Sportsnet]
• The Penguins are right to gamble to keep their window with two star centers open...but was this the right play? [Athletic]
• Also a UFA and having survived a tandem battle with Robin Lehner, Corey Crawford would like to stay in Chicago. [NHL]